The Converge FiberXers came out on top in a battle of playoff-bound teams on Monday, September 23, powering past the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 89-82, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The win — their fourth straight — gave the FiberXers the third seed in Group A of the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup as they finished the elimination round with a 6-4 win-loss record.
They are now set for a best-of-5 quarterfinals series against the San Miguel Beermen — the No. 2 seed in Group B.
Meanwhile, the Hotshots (5-5) are at no. 4, putting them on a collision course with top-seeded Rain or Shine.
“So, we chunked off our goals into little parts, the first one being to make the quarters. Right now, we’ve somehow got that,” said Converge interim coach Franco Atienza after the game.
“It doesn’t end there. We understand na mas hihirap, especially against San Miguel. Those are very established and talented team with a good coaching staff. So paglabas namin dito, maghahanda na kami,” he added.
A huge third quarter turned the tide in Converge’s favor, as they outscored the Hotshots, 32-18, in the pivotal frame to overhaul a 50-41 halftime deficit and take control of the contest.
King Caralipio, Justin Arana and import Jalen Jones were crucial in their breakaway, as they combined for 22 points in the third period.
Arana earned Player of the Game honors after putting up 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Jones had 27 points, 12 boards and four dimes in a 37-minute outing.
Calvin Abueva and Pedro Alfaro III each had 11 points for the Hotshots, who got only five points from import Rayvonte Rice in his debut.
Rice — already Magnolia’s third import in the conference — made just two of his 14 field goals in the loss. (ABS-CBN News)
CONVERGE 89 — Jones 27, Arana 12, Stockton 10, Winston 10, Caralipio 9, Santos 8, Andrade 7, Delos Santos 4, Melecio 2, Cabagnot 0, Ambohot 0, Fornilos 0, Fleming 0, Nieto 0, Zaldivar 0.
MAGNOLIA 82 — Abueva 11, Alfaro 11, Sangalang 8, Balanza 8, Eriobu 8, Laput 7, Ahanmisi 6, Rice 5, Mendoza 5, Barroca 5, Reavis 2, Escoto 2, Lucero 2, Dionisio 2, Dela Rosa 0.
Quarterscores: 18-27, 41-50, 73-68, 89-82.